At this unprecedented time in our lives, well perhaps excepting those 570,000 or so centenarians that were alive during the Spanish Flu, the daily flow of information is dispiriting and overwhelmingly negative. Fortunately, here at Bellissimo Law Group PC, we are continuing to operate thanks to our technical abilities that allow us to work remotely and yet remain in constant contact with our clients and staff. We remain just a phone call or email away.
We are very proud of our staff that despite the challenges we are all currently facing, we have maintained our regular business hours and continue to serve our clients while doing our best to keep our staff safe during this time. In turn, we remain focused on advancing our client matters as well as speaking with new clients daily.
To this end, at Bellissimo Law Group PC, we will do our utmost to communicate the breaking news to keep you informed about the latest Canadian immigration updates. We continue our work each day and recognize this may be an essential time where individuals require assistance on an immigration matter or an opportunity for some to consider options a few months down the road. There will be an inevitable rush of those needing services once the world resumes full international and domestic movement. If you are in a position to do so, this is a good time to explore those plans and any immigration options for you and/or your family. Either way, feel confident that you can reach out to us. Please read some of my other blogs on this topic, including:
Have you been issued an Immigration Removal Order?
Types
of Removal Orders and their Consequences
Departure
Order
Exclusion
Order
Deportation
Order
Removal
Orders may arise in the following circumstances:
The Immigration Division (ID) or Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) determines that a Removal Order should be issued after a hearing, and so issues an Order
A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officer issues a Removal Order after an examination, or
An individual submits a refugee claim, and so receives a conditional Removal Order that will come into effect shortly after any refusal or abandonment of a refugee claim
If
you have received a Removal Order, it is important to understand the type of
Removal Order you have received, its consequences to your present time in
Canada and any future time, and whether you can challenge the decision. In all
cases, time is of the essence.
Types of Removal Orders and their Consequences
1. Departure Orders
Departure orders carry the least consequences. You may be given a departure order for a variety of reasons. For example, you may receive a departure order if you lose your permanent residence status and any appeals you made were refused. A departure order requires that you leave Canada within 30 days, confirming your departure with the CBSA on exit from the country. For Refugee/Protected Person claimants, a “conditional departure order” will be issued upon making a claim. Where the refugee claim fails (as well as any appeals that were made), the conditional departure order becomes enforceable. If the claimant does not leave Canada within the 30 days and/or does not inform CBSA of departure from the country, in nearly all cases the departure order will become a deportation order.
2. Exclusion Orders
Similar to Departure orders, an exclusion order requires the foreign
national to leave Canada, confirming departure with the CBSA on exit from the
country. However, exclusion orders include a time period for which a foreign
national is barred from entering Canada. Depending upon the reasons for which
the exclusion order was issued, the foreign national will be barred from making
an application to return to Canada for one to five years. Exclusion orders can
be issued by CBSA officers at a port of entry and as a consequence of a hearing
at the Immigration and Refugee Board. Exclusion orders can be issued for
violating immigration law, for example, arriving to Canada without a proper
visa, overstaying after the expiration of a visa or working and/or studying
without proper authorization. These breaches often result in exclusion orders
for a time period of one year. However, where a misrepresentation finding is
made, the ban from entering Canada is for five years among other consequences.
It is important to note that if the exclusion order is made within Canada, the exclusion period begins from the date the foreign national leaves the country whereas if the exclusion order is made from outside Canada, the exclusion order begins from the date on the exclusion order. If a foreign national seeks to return to Canada during the restricted period an application for “Authorization to Return to Canada” (ARC) is required. For more information on ARCs, click here.
*NOTE* Prior to November 2014, an exclusion order made on the grounds of misrepresentation would hold a penalty of 2 years as opposed to 5.
3. Deportation Orders
Deportation orders carries lasting consequences. Deportation orders often rise when a departure order is issued but the foreign national does not leave within 30 days of the Order and/or does not inform CBSA of voluntary departure. Where a deportation order is made, the foreign national is barred permanently from entering Canada. A foreign national or an impending permanent resident will require an “Authorization to Re-Enter Canada” (ARC) to return to Canada. For more information on ARCs, click here.
Bellissimo Law Group PC has extensive experience with representing individuals facing removal. We are familiar with the legal processes and these case can be extremely complex and any response must be comprehensive, concise and compelling. Please contact us today to find out your options!
What Happens if You Fail to Appear for Removal?
Removal Orders, in all cases, require that you leave Canada. If you fail to appear for a removal interview or fail to appear on the removal date, CBSA will issue a Canada-wide warrant for your arrest. Once CBSA has arrested you, they may detain you in a holding facility or provincial correctional facility before removal. CBSA may also assign an officer to accompany you on your departure to ensure that you leave Canada. If you leave Canada under a Departure order or an Exclusion order (and the time period for which you are barred from Canada has elapsed), you may be eligible to apply to return to Canada. However, please note that you must ensure that you are not inadmissible under other grounds (criminality, security concerns etc.)
Reasons for Delays
There are several reasons for which a delay may occur in the enforcement of a removal order.
1. Challenges Removal Orders
Permanent Residents may have a right to appeal the Removal Order to the
Immigration Appeal Division.
Whether you have a right of appeal as a permanent resident will depend upon why the Removal Order was issued. If it has been determined that you are inadmissible for organised criminality, crimes against humanity, espionage, or other more serious forms of security concerns, there will be no right of appeal. Also, if you are found to be inadmissible for serious criminality (a crime that holds a maximum sentence of 10 years or more) and received in Canada a sentence of detention of six months or more, you will not have a right of appeal. In these circumstances, you may still challenge the decision to the Federal Court of Canada. For more information on the Federal Court, click here.
Foreign Nationals may not appeal their Removal Orders to the IAD. However, the decision to issue a Removal Order may still be challenged to the Federal Court of Canada.
2. Pre-Removal Risk Assessment Applications
If you fear return to your country of nationality or habitual residence, you may make an application for Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) to have your risks assessed prior to removal. If you are eligible for a PRRA, a removal generally cannot proceed until a final decision has been rendered on this application.
3. Travel Documents/Identity
The CBSA may need documents (passports, travel documents etc.) that will allow you to enter the country to which you are being removed to. Similarly, the CBSA may have trouble confirming the identity or citizenship of the individual being removed.
4. Administrative Deferral of Removals (ADR)
An ADR serves as a temporary tool to defer a removal in situations where the country to which an individual will be removed to is suffering from a humanitarian crisis. The ADR does not adhere to individualized risk but rather country wide risk. Once the country stabilizes, the ADR can be lifted and CBSA will enforce removal orders. An individual who is inadmissible for criminality, international or human rights violations, organized crime or security can still be removed despite the ADR. An ADR status currently applies for the following countries: Somalia (Middle Shabelle, Afgoye, and Mogadishu), the Gaza Strip, Syria, Mali, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Burundi, Venezuela and Haiti.
5. Temporary Suspension of Removals (TSR)
Similar to an ADR, a removal order may be suspended where the country to
which an individual is being removed to is subject to a risk that threatens the
entire civilian population. This can include an armed conflict or an
environmental disaster or other events that interrupts typical living
conditions. Like an ADR, an individual who is inadmissible for criminality, international
or human rights violations, organized crime or security can still be removed regardless
of a TSR. A TSR currently applies for Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of
Congo and Iraq.
*NOTE* – If your removal order is suspended because of an ADR or TSR, you may be able to apply for a work permit or a study permit.
Bellissimo Law has been the greatest help we could have asked for our journey. Our case needed an appeal which was very well organized, documented and presented to the authorities. We received a positive decision on the case all because of the expertise of Mr. Bellissimo and team. Keely and John are great at responding all smart and stupid questions and the team is very prompt to answer emails. They have the entire process streamlined, right from extension to evidences which makes our job easier. We got the quotes from some of the other law firms too who are all good and had lower charges. We chose Bellisimo because they are the best and in the long term a few extra bucks won't matter but the results will. Highly recommended.
Vaibhav Chaturvedi
16:51 06 May 19
Our immigration process was handled by Bellissimo Law Group. The first consultation with Mr Bellissimo was very insightful. Ms Keely Anderson was particularly very helpful. She guided us through the process. I will definitely recommend this law firm. They know what they are doing. Thanks once again for guiding us through the process.
Dare Sokoya
19:27 28 Mar 19
I greatly recommend Bellissimo Law Group. After a long time waiting, I will finally be reunited with my son here in Canada. We are very grateful for all the great, very professional services that they have done for my case. My personal thanks to Kelly Anderson and her group. More power to all of you!
michele medalla
23:36 04 Mar 19
I wish I’d found Bellissimo Law 9 years ago before taking the advice of a so called Immigration Consultant who led our family to a very costly near disaster in our quest to immigrate to join our family in Canada. Years later, in desperation, at a Procedural Fairness Letter stage internet research seemed to suggest Bellissimo Law may be the company to deal with our problem. From the first consultation with Bellissimo Law their extremely thorough, very focused telephone interview personified professionalism and reassurance. All subsequent dealings with any member of the team were of the same high standard. It was clear to us that Mario Bellissimo leads from the front and that his staff not only respect him but that they are trained to match his standards and caring approach. I believe it is very important to mention that although they seem expensive, when our particular problem resolved more quickly and easily than anticipated they refunded the money which had not yet been used. Thanks particularly to Keely, our lead person, and to all at Bellissimo. I will always, highly recommend Bellissimo Law. Keep up the good work. In less than 6 months all our worries are over. We are now permanent residents.
Patricia Forsythe
23:33 22 Mar 19
Very professional and very informative on the phone. Good to see that it is not all about money and more about relationship building. Highly recommended. Thank you!
Atabak Amirabrahimi
17:19 16 Apr 19
Great service and successfully guided us through the immigration and citizenship processes. Terrific attention to detail, and created a terrific case for our application, which was successfully approved. Attached is a picture with the judge. A wonderful day. So proud to be a Canadian!
Carlos Berber
15:45 26 May 19
Bellísimo law group made a dream a reality. They help me throughout the entire process of becoming a Canadian permanent resident. Great service. I will definitely use their services again in the future. Highly recommended
Jose Rendon
01:01 29 May 19
We had a fantastic experience with Bellissimo Law Group. From Mr. Bellissimo to the entire staff, in particular Viola Gniadek, were professional, diligent, knowledgeable and available at all times. We thank the entire group for a successful resolution for my friend Catherine. I would highly recommend the firm for any and all of your immigration needs. Thank you all for a job well done!
Liliana Pelech
14:53 01 Jun 19
I sponsored my parents in 2007 and I was refused in 2013 based on medical inadmissibility of my mentally challenged brother. I found Late Mr. Rotenberg as my original lawyer who passed away during the process. I was very disappointed as I was counting on his expertise to help me with my situation. Mr. Bellissimo was God send for me to help me with my case. I am very thankful that he took on my case. His team member Ms. Tamara Thomas worked with me and advised me with regards to the documents that I needed to obtain, they did extensive research on eligibility criteria of various social and health systems. They worked with me on the interview preparation. The time spend working with them was very targeted and very specific to address the Minister's concerns. They ensured there was no further waste in time or any delays. The way they presented my case and helped me win it only a world class Law firm can do that as there were times I was going to lose my hopes. I would totally recommend this law firm to anyone who is going through similar situation as mine with both hands down. Mr. Bellissimo and the team (Ms. Tamara Thomas) you guys are amazing and thank you so much again for reuniting me with my family in my beautiful dream country Canada.
Irshad Khan
17:46 04 Jun 19
They’re very professional and the advice was given 100% accurate. The lawyer Justin Toh didn’t rush at all. He took the time to answer all our questions in details. I’m very happy with their service.
Shah Alam
21:15 09 Jul 19
Great service! I had a lot of questions prepared and Viola answered each and every one of them articulately and concisely. I definitely recommend Bellissimo!
RYAN COWLEY
17:39 30 Jul 19
Hands down i would never done it by myself if it wasn't for Mr. Mario and Ms. Anderson hard work, I was facing deportation and they helped me step by step to get through it to be honest I am very forgetful person and Ms. Anderson always keep me on track and follow up with me making sure i get things done and send to her and they always keep me updated on everything, I am no longer facing such difficulties and i can stay in Canada. i would recommend Bellissiomo Law Group to all friends and Family. thank you again.
Omid Rezaee
16:00 12 Aug 19
Bellissimo Law has been the greatest help we could have asked for our journey. Our case needed an appeal which was very well organized, documented and presented to the authorities. We received a positive decision on the case all because of the expertise of Mr. Bellissimo and team. Keely and John are great at responding all smart and stupid questions and the team is very prompt to answer emails. They have the entire process streamlined, right from extension to evidences which makes our job easier. We got the quotes from some of the other law firms too who are all good and had lower charges. We chose Bellisimo because they are the best and in the long term a few extra bucks won't matter but the results will. Highly recommended.
Vaibhav Chaturvedi
16:51 06 May 19
Bellissimo Law Group did a wonderful job. They helped me and my family obtain work permits in Canada. They were responsive, professional, and got the job done in a timely manner with no issues. I would absolutely work with them in the future.
Eric Blomster
11:58 30 Aug 19
Bellissimo Law Firm has great lawyers who have handled our immigration case. The staff was very professional. We are very happy with their service.We had to go through a tough ordeal because of misrepresentation earlier and our file was rejected. That is when we assigned this case to Mario Bellissimo. I would happily refer his law firm to any one whose in the same situation as ours or any immigration related matter.I would like to mention a special thanks to Tamara who was in touch with us and kept as posted. Mario had 100% confidence in our case that we will win which was very assuring for me and my family. And we finally got our permanent residency.God bless him and his firm.
mubina fatima
18:35 15 Sep 19
Our family could not thank you Bellissimo Law Group enough for all their help on my brother's case. We are very thankful for their professionalism, effort and hard work. We truly appreciate for everything that the team has done for us. Especially Keely, I cannot thank her more for her patience, advice and explanation throughout the whole process. I know that this has been a tough and long battle for all of us and finally it is a dream come true. Words cannot describe how thankful and happy we are. To us, thank you is not enough to express our appreciation, I would call them the lifesaver for our family. Once again, thank you and we wish everyone all a continue success.
April Cheng
07:05 24 Sep 19
Great communication and appointment setup. Mr. Bellissimo was quite frank and candid and spoke openly and candidly. Gave me the right advice to wait till a certain stage to file my case.
Imran Butt
01:53 01 Oct 19
I really appreciate Bellissimo Law group for helping me out especially in obtaining my postgraduate work permit. I was in an unfortunate situation where there was a chance of my application being rejected but I was able to obtain it in the end. I especially thank Michelle for helping me out throughout this whole process. It was not easy but she was able to respond to my questions and answer them in a very informative and prompt manner. I definitely recommend Bellissimo Law group.
JH C
20:23 17 Oct 19
I am indebted to Ms. Viola Gniadek, Mr. Mario Bellissimo and the entire team at Bellissimo Law Group for having assisted me with my Spouse’s Open Work Permit & Children’s Study Permits that were denied unfairly and arbitrarily -Twice consecutively - earlier this year. Viola assisted me in putting together my family’s file from scratch, over a period of 2 months. This would be my third attempt, and my first time with the law firm. There were times I had bouts of anxiety given the air of uncertainty and hopelessness but Viola was always there to calm my nerves and was very quick in her email responses. The firm knows what they’re doing and they do it very, very well!Absolutely recommended and I will not hesitate in using their services again in future, should there be a need 🙂
Nabil Valiulla
21:58 17 Oct 19
Life changing experience. Simply brilliant! Kelly Anderson is very professional and friendly. Our son is special needs kid and with all Bellissimo Law Group support we got our PR only in 8 moths.
Madina N
21:56 22 Oct 19
I totally recommend them for any issues, concerns or guidance you might need. Very reliable and to the point. I had Miss Alexandra as my immigration lawyer and I have only good things to say about her involvement in this long and stressful process. She knew perfectly how to approach, handle and solve any issues we encountered and with their help the outcome was a positive one.Thank you!
Ana-Maria Veinea
03:14 22 Nov 19
I want to say thank to Mario Bellissimo , Keely Anderson, Natalia Borkowska and all the entire team for a wonderful job they did. Me and my families case was really hard and there were some moments where we were close to being deported but Mario Bellissimo and his team fought really hard for my family and was able to help up stay in Canada to the point where we got the permanent residence. I would also like to recognize the fact that Keely Anderson was by my side through out the whole situation telling me every step to take. We truly recommend Bellissimo law firm, I believe they are the best law firm in Toronto and can be trust worthy for any situation.
B Navarro
00:59 09 Dec 19
I would like to thank Mr. Bellissimo, Ms. Keely Anderson, Mr. John Wigle and the rest of the team at Bellissimo Law group for helping me become a permanent resident in Canada. I had a complicated case that took quite a while to process and at times I thought it may not happen. Throughout it all Mr. Bellissimo and Ms. Anderson were very friendly, professional, helpful and honest and through their diligent work got me the result I had been hoping for. I would highly recommend them for any immigration needs. Simon Prigmore.
Simon Prigmore
14:08 17 Dec 19
We would like to thank Bellissimo Law Group especially Mr. Mario Bellissimo, Ms. Keely Anderson and Mr. John Wigle for assisting us to obtain a Permanent Resident status in Canada. We truly appreciate everything that all of you have done for our complicated case. Once again, thank you for your professionalism and hard-work during this past year. It has been a long and though journey for us, but finally our dream has come true.
Eve C
15:39 09 Jan 20
Had the pleasure of a call with one of their lawyers. They did their research prior and provided in depth feedback. Chy was great, she was on time, actually earlier. She answered all my questions, offered various options for my case, kept probing for different avenues. A five star rating from my interaction and stellar performance from Chy (Hope I got the spelling right)
Robin Maharaj
00:14 10 Jan 20
We had an excellent meeting with both Michelle and Mario, where we were treated with respect and they did their very best to help us. Whilst the answer was not we were hoping for, it became clear that they would fight to get us the best result possible. To be highly recommended.
John Smurthwaite
00:40 30 Jan 20
Our family could not thank you Bellissimo Law Group enough for all their help on my cousin Cong's case. We are very thankful for their professionalism, effort and hard work. Especially Ms. Alexandra, we cannot thank her more for her patience, advice and explanation throughout the whole process. Once again, thank you and we wish everyone here all a continue success.
